SERVICE BULLETIN
SB1250
: ABC Customer Care and Parts Source (Other)

ADDRESSEES

Owners and operators of coaches listed under ‘Application’
SYSTEM

: Rear Axle Chassis Reinforcement

COMPONENT

: Drive Axle Area

BULLETIN TYPE

: Field Change Service Bulletin

DATE

: March 17th, 2016

SUBJECT

: To Reinforce the TD 925 Chassis in the Drive Axle Area

TERMS & CONDITIONS

: This document is subject to warranty Claims
: Refer to the warranty section further in this Bulletin.

APPLICATION:
Model

TD 925 US

VIN

VINS 42301 -> 42604 (LHS + RHS)
VINS 42605 -> 42629 (RHS only)
VINS 42648 -> 42665 (RHS only)

SB1250_USA_en_2016-03-17

Page 1 of 20

DESCRIPTION:
PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE BULLETIN BEFORE BEGINNING ANY REPAIRS
1. This procedure has been released to owners of affected Van Hool TD925 coaches in order to
reinforce and repair frame cracks if they exist on the cross members in the drive axle areas.
2. Affected VIN numbers are included on the first page of this bulletin. Please refer to the following
instructions and parts list outlining corrective action and repairs.
3. The parts information on page 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 of this
procedure should be copied and inserted in the relevant section of the coach Owner’s/Operator’s
Spare Parts Manual.
Please refer to the materials list and apply the step-by-step instructions from the procedure.
For your information, the Product Improvement subject of this service document has been cut into
production as from VIN 42605 for LHS reinforcement respectively VIN 42648 for RHS
reinforcement.

PARTS AND PRODUCTS:
Retrofit parts:
•

The complete set contains two separate kits: 1 LHS set and 1 RHS set for all units
and contains the following parts:
LHS of Vehicle
Set: 11322363

RHS of vehicle
Set: 11356204

Front side

11322308 + 11322498

11356206 + 11322498

Backside

11322309

11356207

Set: 11322578

Set: 11356214

Front side

11322499 + 11322498

11322499 + 11322498

Backside

11322501

11356215

10603602

10603602

Front of rear axle

Behind rear axle

Air line clamp adaptor

• All reinforcement parts (LHS and RHS) are made of mild steel; apply the correct

welding procedure.

SB1250_USA_en_2016-03-17

Page 2 of 20

PROCEDURE:

1. General:
• This job should be executed by an experienced welder.
• For more information refer to:
• Maintenance Manual
• Spare Parts Manual
• Operating Manual

2. Special tools, equipment or services:
• This job requires the use of MIG welding equipment, a 3”cutter, and an angle grinder.

3. Preparations:
• Park the coach on a level-surfaced service pit.
If portable post lifts are going to be used, lower the suspension first.
• Apply the parking brake and shut down the engine.
• Switch off all systems and turn off the battery master switch.
• Put a “DO NOT OPERATE” tag on the instrument panel.
• Remove necessary tires and wheels to gain access to affected areas.
CAUTION: Observe safe shop practices at all times.

4. Shop practice and safety rules
Welding data:
Table 1: Welding data for mild steel to mild steel
Welding data according to AWS A 5.18 ER 70S-6
• Welding wire section: 1.0 mm (0.039 inch)
• Welding wire feed speed: 2.9-8.4 m/min (115-330 inch/min)
• Current: 80-190 Amps
• Welding gas: 75% Argon + 25% CO2 (option: 80% Argon + 20%
CO2)

NOTE: Welding gas with a high Helium content introduces a lot of heat in the welding area
leading to a harder and more brittle weld.

SB1250_USA_en_2016-03-17

Page 3 of 20

Welding safety rules:
• The following information pertaining to welding should be read before beginning any
such procedure. The prohibitions and requirements contained herein must be followed
during such procedure.
• Welding must be done only by a qualified and experienced person.
o It is the responsibility of the welder to make sure that his/her personal safety
equipment and the welding equipment he/she is using are in a condition that the
welding equipment he/she is using are in a condition that will not endanger
his/her health and safety or the health and safety of others.
• Adequate ground contact and barriers must be positioned as required to protect
components (wiring, air-lines, hydraulic lines, fuel lines etc.) from damage due to heat,
contact by weld spatter, arcing or other potentially damaging events associated with
welding.
• The following precautions must be taken to protect the vehicle’s electronic equipment:
o FIRST disconnect the wires from the GND (ground) terminal of the battery
equalizer.
o Disconnect the batteries (disconnect ground cable first, reconnect ground cable
last).
o Disconnect the engine, transmission and brake system ECU’s.
o Disconnect the HVAC and combustion heater ECU’s.
o Disconnect the MUX nodes.
o On shell units, also disconnect the suspension ECU if the vehicle is equipped
with an electronic control unit.
o For any other electronic equipment (radio, video, ICE…) refer to the OEM
prescriptions.
o Keep the ground clamp as close as possible to the work and make sure the
clamp makes perfect contact with the drive axle housing.
o Make certain the welder is properly grounded will not endanger his/her health
and safety or the health and safety of others.
o Never look at the arc unless wearing a suitable helmet or face shield.
o Wear protective clothing and gloves.
o Do not permit bystanders, unless they are wearing protective gear.
o Never weld while standing in water or on damp ground.
o Have adequate ventilation.
o Do not adjust machine settings while the machine is under load.
o Keep cables tight in the sockets.
o Do not touch hot metal.
o Do not allow the welding rod/wire to touch anything but the work.
o Make sure there is nothing flammable near the working area.
Always have a fire extinguisher of the correct type available.

SB1250_USA_en_2016-03-17

Page 4 of 20

Grinding safety rules:
•

Grinders can be dangerous. When improperly used, they are responsible for many serious and
lasting injuries to the eyes, hands, face and body. Therefore you must always observe the
following safety rules:
o Always wear eye protection (safety goggles, face shield). Wear leather gloves.
o Adequate barriers must be positioned as required to protect components (glass, wiring,
airlines, hydraulic lines, fuel lines, drive shaft etc.) from damage by grinding sparks.
o Before doing any grinding on the coach, thoroughly clean the affected area.
o Keep abrasive discs tight, clean and true.
o Allow grinder to reach full rpm before using.
o Do not put aside the grinder until the wheel has completely stopped revolving.
o Never strike a grinding wheel while revolving. It may shatter and explode.
o Do not grind in the presence of explosive vapors (gasoline, paint thinner, batteries…)
o Before installing a new grinding disc, disconnect the electric mains or air supply line.
o When installing a new disc make certain:
ƒ It is designed for the rpm of the grinder.
ƒ It has the correct size.
ƒ It is properly fixed.
o Never remove the grinding disc guard.

Aftertreatment :
•

Coat the reinforcing parts and bare metal with primer + undercoating
allow to dry.

SB1250_USA_en_2016-03-17

Page 5 of 20

5. To check chassis members for cracks, and to repair possible damage:
1) Underneath the coach, in the drive axle area, on both sides of the vehicle, locate the chassis
members.
2) Refer to the grinding safety rules.
Using an angle grinder remove all undercoating and paint from and around the joints as shown
in Figure 1.
Make sure that enough bare metal is exposed to allow detection of possible cracks.
At the same time provide a proper surface for welding on the reinforcing parts.

Figure 1
• Clean welding area thoroughly
• Drill a hole at the end of the crack

3) If a crack is detected, drill a 5/32-inch (4 mm) diameter hole at each end of the crack to stop it
from progressing any further.
4) With a 3-inch cutter cut through the crack along its entire length.
5) Refer to the welding data and the welding safety rules.
Seam weld the crack.
Dress the weld with a grinder.
6) Repeat steps 2 through 5 for all joints showing cracks.
7) The reinforcement plates are welded to the chassis with a STRIP weld as indicated on figure
2.The plate number is indicated on the figures and the length of the strips as well.

Figure 2
• Make sure that enough bare metal
is exposed to allow detection of
possible cracks.
• At the same time provide a proper
surface for welding on the
reinforcing parts

NOTE: further details: see drawings enclosed – pages 14 to 20

SB1250_USA_en_2016-03-17

Page 6 of 20

8) Plug welding as indicated on figure 3

Figure 3

9) If there is an “air line clamp adaptor” welded in the position where the reinforcement plates will
be installed, the adaptor has to be removed and afterwards a new one needs to be installed in
the same position. Welding the adaptor in a different position can lead to bent air lines.
Figure 4: Air line clamp adaptor(x)
•

SB1250_USA_en_2016-03-17

VH number: 10603602

Page 7 of 20

6. Position of the reinforcement plates
As mentioned in table 1 on page 2 of this bulletin, the complete set consists of a left hand set and a
right hand set.

LHS set consists of:
- Front of rear axle (Set VH 11322363)
Front side (VH 11322308 + 11322498)
Back side (VH 11322309)
- Behind rear axle (Set VH 11322578)
Front side (VH 11322499 + 11322498)
Back side (VH 11322501)
- 1x Air line clamp adaptor (VH 10603602) (supplied by ABC)
RHS set consists of:
- Front of rear axle (Set VH 11356.204)
Front side (VH 11356206 + 11322498)
Back side (VH 11356207)
- Behind rear axle (Set VH 11356214)
Front side (VH 11322499 + 11322498)
Back side (VH 11356215)
- 1x Air line clamp adaptor (VH 10603602) (supplied by ABC)

SB1250_USA_en_2016-03-17

Page 8 of 20

6.1 - Left hand side set: front of rear axle (set VH 11322363)

Figure 5: LHS Reinforcement
•
•

Reinforcement of the drive
axle left front air bellow
support
Cover the air bellow while
welding to avoid damage due
to melted material

Accessibility

Figure 6, 7 and 8: Front side view
•
•
•

SB1250_USA_en_2016-03-17

VH 11322308; 11322498
Access through panel in bus
lavatory.
After welding: make sure this
panel is well closed again to
avoid noise and dust
penetration.

Page 9 of 20

Figure 9: Back side view
•
•
•

SB1250_USA_en_2016-03-17

VH 11322309; 11322498
Protect air bellow
Reweld air line clamp adaptor

Page 10 of 20

6.2 - Left hand side kit: behind the rear axle (set VH11322578)

Figure 10: LHS reinforcement
•
•

Reinforcement of drive axle
left rear air bellow support
Protect air bellow, air lines
and leveling valve while
welding

Figure 11: Front side view
•
•

VH 11322499 and 11322498
Reinforcement of the shock
absorber bracket and the air
bellow bracket.

Figure 12: Back side view
•
•

SB1250_USA_en_2016-03-17

VH 11322501
Protect air bellow, air lines
and leveling valve while
welding

Page 11 of 20

6.3 – Right hand side kit: Front of rear axle (set VH 11356204)
Figure 13: (LHS)
• Accessibility through
panel at second step.
Figure 14: (RHS)
• VH 11356206
• Front of rear axle
• Protect air bellow and
air line while welding

Figure 15 and 16: Back side view
•
•
•

SB1250_USA_en_2016-03-17

VH 11356207
Reinforcement of longitudinal
beam
Protect air bellow, air lines
and bushing of anti-roll bar
while welding

Page 12 of 20

Figure 17 and 18: Front side view
•
•
•

VH 11322499 and 11322498
Reinforcement of shock
absorber and air bellows
bracket
Protect air bellow, air lines
and bushing of anti-roll bar
while welding

6.4 – Right hand side kit: behind the rear axle (set VH 11356214)
Front side (VH 11322499 + 11322498) : See figure 9
Back side (VH 11356215)

Figure 19: Back side view
•
•
•

SB1250_USA_en_2016-03-17

VH 11356215
Reinforcement of longitudinal
beam and air bellow bracket.
Protect air bellow and air lines
while welding

Page 13 of 20

DISCLAIMER:
The procedures contained herein are not exclusive. Van Hool cannot possibly know, evaluate, or
advise the transportation industry of all conceivable ways in which a procedure may be undertaken or
of the possible consequences of each such procedure. Other procedures may be as good, or better,
depending upon the particular circumstances involved.
Each carrier who uses the procedures herein must first satisfy itself thoroughly that neither the safety
of its employees or agents, nor the safety or usefulness of any products, will be jeopardized by any
procedure selected.

INFORMATION HANDLING:
Important supplements to and modifications of the technical information not yet included in the Van
Hool manuals are communicated by means of Service Bulletins.
File the Service Bulletins at the back of your manual, in numerical order.
To make sure that you will be reminded of the Bulletins that have appeared in the meantime while
paging the manual, mark the pages concerned by hand with the Service Bulletin number.

WARRANTY:
1. Terms and conditions:
CAUTION: Owners are required to inform ABC CUSTOMER CARE , as per
Form VH – 2013 - 02 attached to this Bulletin that the retrofit has been carried out in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Van Hool NV/ABC Bus Inc. will accept warranty claims for this repair as follows:
Parts:
•
•

Supply: parts will be supplied through ABC Customer Care and Parts Source, free of charge.
Return: none.
Disposal: discard parts according to applicable environmental regulations.

Labor allowance: 14-18 hours of labor will be awarded per coach repaired.
Campaign expiration/target date: Service Bulletin issue date + 1 year
2. Claim References:
• Causal part:
o RHS: 11356204 (+11356214)
o LHS: 11322363 (+11322578)
•

Job code: D10108H

Claim submission: If there are any questions regarding this campaign, please call ABC
Customer Care & Parts Source toll-free for guidance at 1-877-427-7278. Listen for the prompts
for warranty and select that option.
3. Monitoring and performance:
The claim records pertaining to this Bulletin will be used to determine that the remedy has been
executed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

2013-05-22

Page 14 of 20

Drawings – Enclosures to Figure 2

2013-05-22

Page 15 of 20

2013-05-22

Page 16 of 20

2013-05-22

Page 17 of 20

2013-05-22

Page 18 of 20

2013-05-22

Page 19 of 20

2013-05-22

Page 20 of 20